For the time being, I am calling this pattern construction method the Neo-Norsk method. I took elements of three different styles: (1) Narrative, (2), the old Norwegian abbreviated table & column format that I grew up with, and (3) pictorial/schematic.

I built this example based on pattern instructions for the back only of the free Damenjacke, Modell 434/2 by Junghans-Wolle. Here are pictures of the original two-page pattern 434/2.

Below are my redraw of the schematic and the instructions I wrote for the back only, modernizing the old Norwegian pattern instruction writing method. On both, I incorporated instructions/drawings for all five sizes. You will note I put check marks in circles in the far left column. They mark the rows where I have added comments to help the less experienced knitter check that her work.

What do YOU think? (By the way, not everybody I’ve showed this to likes it! It’s a work in progress, and I appreciate input. 🙂 )

I put it down to the growth of the Nanny State. But also perhaps as people no longer handed down these skills from generations, those wanting to knit needed really detailed instructions. This all led to those mini-books we now call knitting patterns : )
Sorry, having a grumpy day. Birthday approaching!

You have embarked on a brave and intriguing project. The brevity and clarity of the pattern is very appealing. The checking back feature is useful, as you say, particularly for a novice knitter. The format of the instructions would also work well for substituting alternative stitch patterns and other modifications. I am not convinced about the half schematic, but can’t articulate why yet.

Q – My question is – are you leaving it in cm? As a person who worked in science related occupations for 40 years I definitely don’t mind. I just know the general US population’s meltdown over metric. I really like both charts. I’m a visual person and seeing the top chart gives me more flexibility on what I’d want the final dimensions to be.